Following the cycle of many art forms, electronic music’s spotlight is slowly but surely circling back to the people who first made it cool; women, queer people, and POC. Festival lineups are starting to look more diverse on a global scale, and femme-centered Electronic label/collective BABE Records aligns with this initiative. At the end of July, the label released a compilation album titled BABE Records Vol. 1, comprising the works of femme and gender-queer producers of various backgrounds. This cohesive body of work showcases underground and rising talent, aiming to disrupt the male-dominated industry.
The first track is “B-A-D-D-I-E” by Majesty of Divinity. It jumps into a techno beat with ASMR-like qualities – the type of sounds that give a satisfying tingle. The lyrics convey ultimate confidence, encouraging the listener, “Don’t be shy on the dance floor.” 32nd-beat percussion accelerates the pace, keeping the energy alive. A fierce sense of bravado seeps through; a tried and true hallmark of queer club anthems.
“Daddy” by label founder Hip Stir follows. Loungey and hypnotic, a cool sense of calmness takes over. There is an irresistible, inviting warmth to the instrumentals, matching the sensual monologue overtop. Just past the 1:20 minute mark, the talking voice says on sex, “I want it to be… in many ways spiritual as well.”
Next is “think about it” by cipher.xxv. It is a jungle track with slow, atmospheric qualities. The genre pivots and mixes as time goes on, with the switches signaled by the sound of breaking glass. The 8th track on the album, “Muttering in the Dark” by Amanda Koontz, shares similar experimentality, but inspired by break and hard techno genres. Both tracks can be considered a bit odd yet highly engaging. Even more experimental is the 10th track, “Pure Instinct” by 0blique. It is hard to define; noisy, scratchy, yet balanced.
Veneer’s track “Never Enough” is an ode to classic house rhythm, with very crisp percussion including what sounds like a tambourine. Bongos join the party around 1:30 minutes, and a warping synth soon slides in to complete the recipe. “Let’s Take It Back” by Kazami shares the house formula, but changes it up with spirited piano chords and a R&B vocal sample.
6th on the album is “Always” by MEA CULPA, the label’s co-founder, and Arloa. It is a bubbly blend of trance, hard techno, jersey club, and Brazilian funk in one. Eclectic and stimulating, it is a song meant to be played in big rooms, for big crowds.
Next is a personal favorite, “Before I Leave” by Joan Dark. The vocalist immediately carries the listener away into a dreamy, seductive world over a boundless techno beat. Each production choice compliments the other; the timbres of each sound and instrument harmonize effortlessly.
The 9th track, “Water Birds” by NRFREAK1C, is a smart combination of springy, unexpected sounds, over a jungle/breakbeat. A chopped vocal sample serves as a mysterious intermission before the next beat drop.
BABE Records Vol. 1 ticks all the boxes of the ideal electronic album: diverse, thought-provoking, and most of all, fun. Despite the presence of traditional genres, each song manages to bring a new element to the table. But BABE Records does more than just produce great music. Standing for “Bad Ass Bitches Elevating,” the collective works to offer industry opportunities to women and gender-queer people, including DJ lessons and America’s first gender-inclusive music festival, Babestock Music Festival. Founded in Austin, Texas, the label also works with its local community to consistently create more opportunities.
The mission of the label is to foster a collaborative, supportive, and overall positive environment for women and gender-queer people to learn about, create, and release music. Founders Hip Stir and MEA CULPA set out to change the landscape of electronic music, starting with their community. In 4 months, they were able to bring on 11 local femme and gender-queer artists, all present in BABE Records Vol. 1.
BABE Records will continue forging its path in electronic music, starting in Austin, Texas. For those interested in DJ lessons, hiring diverse DJs for an event, or even joining the collective themselves, all information can be found on BABE’s website. To keep up with the label’s work, sign up for their newsletter on the home page.
Follow BABE on Facebook and Instagram to find the latest content.
E-mail BABE at babeatx@gmail.com for inquiries.
And lastly, stream BABE Records Vol. 1 on Spotify to dive deeper and enjoy the project.
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